The nurse is caring for a patient with a platelet count of <20,000/mm3 (150,000-400000). Which of the following precautions should the nurse take in providing care for this patient?
Report fever to MD ASAP
Use soft toothbrush with oral care
Drink hot liquids TID
Recommend Straight edge razor for shaving
The Correct Answer is B
A. Report fever to MD ASAP: While fever in any immunocompromised patient should be reported, it does not directly address precautions related to low platelet counts and bleeding risks.
B. Use a soft toothbrush with oral care: With a low platelet count, the patient is at risk for bleeding. Using a soft toothbrush minimizes the risk of gum injury and bleeding, a critical safety measure for thrombocytopenic patients.
C. Drink hot liquids TID: Hot liquids are not recommended as they may cause mouth or esophageal burns, increasing bleeding risk if the mucosa is damaged. Tepid or cold fluids are safer.
D. Recommend straight edge razor for shaving: Patients with low platelets should use an electric razor to avoid cuts, as any bleeding is harder to control in thrombocytopenic individuals.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Folate: Folate is important for red blood cell production but does not address the Vitamin B12 deficiency seen in pernicious anemia.
B. Vitamin C: Vitamin C does not impact pernicious anemia as it is not involved in Vitamin B12 absorption.
C. Vitamin B12: Pernicious anemia occurs due to a lack of intrinsic factor, which is necessary for Vitamin B12 absorption. After a total gastrectomy, intrinsic factor is no longer produced, requiring Vitamin B12 supplementation.
D. Iron: Iron deficiency anemia is different from pernicious anemia, which specifically requires Vitamin B12 supplementation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hematocrit 35% (F 37%–47%; M 42%–52%): Although the hematocrit is slightly low, it is not as concerning as a low platelet count, which poses an immediate risk for bleeding.
B. Bone pain: Bone pain is common in leukemia due to bone marrow expansion, but it does not take priority over the risk of bleeding from thrombocytopenia.
C. Weight loss: Weight loss may be a symptom of leukemia, but it is not immediately life-threatening and does not take priority over a low platelet count that increases bleeding risk.
D. Platelet count 125,000/mm³ (150,000–400,000): A low platelet count is concerning in leukemia patients because it increases the risk of bleeding. Monitoring for and preventing bleeding is a high priority due to thrombocytopenia associated with leukemia.